SAMURAI SHORTSTOP

Set in the late 1800s in a changing Japan, this story is about baseball--and more. After witnessing his uncle's ceremonial suicide, Toyo is accepted to an elite school, where he works to earn a place on the baseball team. In his attempts to understand the ways of the samurai, Toyo gains personal insight and applies his new knowledge to his favorite pastime. An accomplished actor, Arthur Morey does an acceptable job of relaying the story. However, the intriguing and well-researched plot would be better served with a more dramatic production, and, despite the strength of the story, the producers may miss opportunities to connect young listeners to a foreign place and time. B.H. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 08]